The Roadster was the sixth body style developed for MINI after BMW took over the brand at the beginning of the century. It's a convertible version of the MINI Coupe, both cars being the only two-door, two-seat models the brand has so far produced.

Neither have proved popular, and production for both stopped early in 2015, but you can still buy examples from the remaining stock, and if nothing else they certainly have rarity value.

For the Roadster there are three petrol models, called the Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works, and a single diesel in the form of the Cooper SD. Power outputs range from 120bhp to 208bhp, and there is a choice of manual and automatic transmission in every case.

Performance

Of all the Roadsters, only the Cooper automatic takes more than ten seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph. The manual takes 9.2 seconds, while figures for the Cooper SD, Cooper S and JCW in manual form are 8.1, 7.0 and 6.5 seconds. The automatic gearbox has less of an effect on the straight-line performance of the more powerful cars than it does for the Cooper, reducing the time by just two tenths in each case.

Top speeds range from 119mph for the Cooper automatic to 147mph for the JCW manual, the slowing-down effect of the automatic transmission once again being less noticeable on the more powerful cars.

At most speeds, noise levels are quite high, particularly in the case of the Cooper SD. Unlike the Coupe, however, a lot of the sounds comes in through the fabric roof, and there's a reduced sense of being trapped in a small box with the engine actually sitting beside you.

Ride and Handling

As with MINI’s Countryman and Paceman, more modestly powered versions are more fun to drive, if not as quick.

When a manufacturer builds a convertible version of a car that previously had a solid roof, there are usually claims that the body shell has been made impressively stiff despite the structural disadvantage. MINI made such claims for the Roadster, but they weren't matched by experience. There is a lot of scuttle shake, and the Cooper S and JCW feel as if they have more power than the compromised chassis can deal with. In these cars, body flex seems to play a significant role in the handling when you're pushing on through a fast corner. The Cooper and Cooper SD, being less powerful, don't suffer from this to nearly the same extent. As with MINI’s Countryman and Paceman, more modestly powered versions are more fun to drive, if not as quick. All versions react very quickly to steering inputs and can become unruly if you work too hard on the steering wheel. A light touch is required.

Interior and Equipment

The Roadster first appeared as a concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Show and was unveiled in production form in Detroit in January 2012.

Despite its compact interior, the Roadster will comfortably accommodate two large adults, though anyone over six feet tall may find their heads sticking slightly above the top of the windscreen and the rear rollover bars. The manual seat adjusters are difficult to reach and operate, and the ones controlling the angle of the seat backs can't be reached at all if the adjustable arm rest is down. The boot is very small, being capable of holding only 240 litres' worth of luggage. There are some interior storage spaces, but not even a vestige of a back seat to carry larger items. As is common with MINIs, all Roadsters have air-conditioning, DAB digital radio and a tool kit as standard. There’s also the usual wide range of optional extras which are usually bought with enthusiasm by MINI fans.

Cost

Most people should be able to average well over 50mpg unless they live in an area with a lot of hills.

Without extras, prices range from between just under £18,500 to nearly £26,500. The Cooper SD, though it's the second most expensive to buy, should be by far the cheapest to run. In manual form its combined fuel economy figure is 62.8mpg, and in our experience this is achievable with a little care. Most people should be able to average well over 50mpg unless they live in an area with a lot of hills. CO2 emissions are officially 118g/km, so you have to pay just £30 a year in Vehicle Excise Duty. The Cooper is the next most economical model on 49.6mpg, followed by the Cooper and the JCW on 47.1mpg and 41.5mpg respectively. The automatic gearbox has a serious effect on economy, reducing it by at least 4mpg in every case.

Our Verdict

Creating the Roadster probably seemed like a better idea at the time than it proved to be. Customers didn't react positively in great numbers to a combination of a hatchback and a two-seater, and the mixed driving manners won't have helped. On the plus side, the Roadster still has appealing points such as its quick engine line-up, a surprisingly efficient Cooper SD variant and distinct styling. Also, if you buy one you'll certainly stand out from the crowd, and its rarity means it may become quite valuable on the second-hand market if you wait long enough to sell it.